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| Former Prime Minister Joseph Sinde Warioba. Photo: Courtesy |
By Adonis Byemelwa
Shinyanga–Former
Prime Minister Joseph Sinde Warioba has September 19, 2024 – issued a sharp
rebuke against the growing trend of political leaders, particularly MPs,
offering unwavering praise for every action taken by the executive, urging for
a return to true democratic governance.
Speaking
at a viral high-profile conference hosted by the Tanzania Centre for Democracy
(TCD), Warioba reflected on the current state of the country's politics,
lamenting the lack of constructive criticism and accountability.
The
former Chief Justice recounted his time as a government leader, recalling how
he was once grilled by outspoken academics at the University of Dar es Salaam,
including Prof. Palamagamba Kabudi, the late Dr. Sengondo Mvungi, Harrison
Mwakyembe, and Agrey Mlimuka.
Despite
their tough questions, Warioba said, he never held grudges, and these
encounters eventually led to lifelong friendships. He contrasted this with the
current political climate, where he expressed disappointment over how MPs fail
to raise independent concerns and instead spend their time praising the
President without addressing real issues.
“It
saddens me when I hear every MP speak, and within two minutes, they’ve
mentioned the President. Are they the people's representatives or mere
defenders of the executive?" Warioba asked. "We need good governance
that includes checks and balances. We claim to be building democracy, but what
are we showing the people?”
The
retired judge also criticized the blurred lines between the branches of
government. Warioba recalled raising concerns over the dangerous mingling of
the judiciary, the legislature, and the executive, stating that these branches
should remain independent in their daily work.
“Back
in 2016-2017, some of us advised against this growing practice. It reached a
point where leaders from the judiciary and parliament were attending meetings
with the President. This shouldn’t happen. These institutions can meet on
special occasions, like during oath-taking ceremonies, but not in the
day-to-day operations of governance,” he warned.
Warioba’s
remarks come amidst growing concerns about the state of democracy in Tanzania,
as voiced by Freeman Mbowe, chairman of both Chadema and the TCD. Mbowe
delivered a powerful speech during the event, highlighting ongoing human rights
violations, including the mysterious disappearances and killings of opposition
leaders. According to Mbowe, these acts of violence have been met with silence
from law enforcement, with no accountability for the perpetrators.
“Our
party is in mourning,” Mbowe declared, referencing the abductions of several
Chadema members, including Dionizi Kipanya, secretary for Sumbawanga, who
vanished six weeks ago. Mbowe also recounted the horrific fate of Ali Kibao, a
former Chadema Secretariat member who was kidnapped on September 6 and later
found murdered in Ununio, Dar es Salaam.
While
Chadema awaits answers, the opposition leader stressed the need for independent
investigations into these disturbing incidents. “Every life is precious, and
this is a violation of human rights. We cannot accept a nation where people
disappear or are killed with no justice.”
Mbowe
went further, stating that the country’s leadership must be anchored in a
constitution that serves the people, not the desires of a single leader.
"For too long, the whims of those in power have been allowed to dictate
the direction of our nation. This must stop. We need a constitution that
guarantees fairness for all citizens," he said.
The
TCD meeting, chaired by Mbowe, also brought together a host of political
heavyweights, including CUF Chairman Prof. Ibrahim Lipumba, ACT-Wazalendo
leader Dorothy Semu, and NCCR-Mageuzi Vice Chairman Joseph Selasini. The agenda
touched on several key issues, including the upcoming local government
elections slated for November 27, 2024.
The
presence of representatives from the ruling CCM party, including Secretary
General Dr. Emmanuel Nchimbi and Minister of Health Jenista Mhagama,
highlighted the importance of these discussions. Also in attendance were
several high-ranking government officials, such as Minister of Constitutional
and Legal Affairs Prof. Kabudi and Deputy Minister of Regional Administration
and Local Government, Dr. Festo Dugange.
In
wrapping up, Mbowe affirmed that Chadema would not back down in its fight for
justice. “If we want to move forward as a nation, we must be brave enough to
stand up and speak the truth. We will continue to defend the rights of all
Tanzanians, no matter the cost.”
The
path forward is uncertain, but one thing is clear: the demands for change will
not be silenced. With seasoned leaders like Warioba and Mbowe challenging the
establishment, the pressure for accountability is mounting. The question now is
whether Tanzania’s leadership will rise to the occasion—or face the
consequences of ignoring the people's call for true democracy and justice.